Heliconia-like Butterfly-Moth
Common NameHeliconia-like Butterfly-Moth
Scientific NameMacrosoma heliconiaria
FamilyHedylidae
SubfamilyHedylinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsdark grey, brown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama) and South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia)
Host PlantsUnknown, likely various broadleaf plants
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical habitats, with potential peaks during wet seasons
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically cryptic and feed on broadleaf plants, pupating before emerging as diurnal adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall dark mottled coloration with a striking white triangular patch on the forewing apex, and its characteristic diurnal, butterfly-like flight.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled dark greyish-brown wings, featuring a prominent white triangular patch near the apex of each forewing. The hindwings are somewhat translucent.
